Grand Rapids Mayor Rosalynn Bliss spoke from the Fulton Street Market Thursday evening, the speech streaming live on her Facebook page.
Bliss used her final address to thank the city for giving her an opportunity to serve but to also note that her work was not done, saying that supporting the passage of the lodging tax supporting economic development would be one of her top priorities.
“Our guests, they come and they go, but their money stays here, providing significant benefits to Grand Rapids residents and helps to support our community’s high quality of life.”
If passed in August, the ballot proposal could raise the lodging tax from 5 to as much as 8%, helping fund transformation projects like the Acrisure Amphitheater and professional soccer stadium.
Bliss also said work must continue addressing the city’s unhoused community.
“Let’s come together with a clear goal to house a hundred individuals who have been chronically homeless by the end of this year.”
Bliss stressed greater alignment amongst service providers, an entry system that matches individuals with those services, and a detailed systems map to identify where gaps existed for those services.
Bliss isn’t eligible for reelection once she finishes her term on December 31st. She was elected in 2016 after serving as Second Ward city commissioner.
You can watch the entire speech on the mayor'sFacebook page.
